What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a union territory of India located in the Indian Ocean, south of the Bay of Bengal. This archipelago consists of 836 islands, out of which only 31 are inhabited. The territory is divided into two main parts: North Andaman and South Nicobar, separated by a channel that is 150 km wide. Its capital is Port Blair (also known as Shree Vijaypuram), situated approximately 1,190 km away from the Indian mainland, What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The total area of this region is about 8,249 km², with a population of around 380,581 according to the 2011 census. Approximately 86% of the Andaman Islands are covered with forests, which host a variety of flora and fauna. The area is known for its marine life, coral reefs, and unique wildlife.

Historically, the islands hold significance with sites like the Cellular Jail, which bears witness to the atrocities during the freedom struggle. Additionally, Barren Island is home to India’s only active volcano, What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

For transportation, there are air services available from Port Blair to various major cities, and travel can also be done via sea routes. The cultural diversity of this territory includes several indigenous groups such as the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarwas, and Sentinalese, each known for their distinct lifestyles.

The history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rich and diverse, spanning from ancient times to the modern era. In ancient times, these islands were known as “Henduman” by the Malay people, a name that references Hanuman from the Ramayana. In 1788, the East India Company attempted to establish a colony in the Andamans, and in 1789, Lieutenant Archibald Blair arrived to survey the area.

In the 19th century, Britain purchased the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from Denmark in 1869, officially incorporating them into its empire. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, many freedom fighters were sent to these islands, and in 1906, the Cellular Jail was constructed to hold political prisoners, What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

During World War II, Japan occupied these islands from 1942 to 1945, and Subhas Chandra Bose established a provisional government of Azad Hind Fauj here. After the war, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became part of India and gained independence on August 15, 1947. Thus, the history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reflects various empires, struggles, and cultural changes that continue to shape its identity today.

What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, previously known as Port Blair, has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram by the Indian government. This decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 13, 2024. The new name is intended to reflect the significant contributions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to India’s freedom struggle.

Sri Vijaya Puram is located in the South Andaman district and is the largest city in the island group, situated far from the Indian mainland in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. The renaming aims to eliminate colonial legacies associated with the former name and honor the historical importance of the region, including its role during India’s fight for independence, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

List of all Governors of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their working period

The position of Lieutenant Governor for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was established on November 1, 1982. Before this, the territory was administered by a Chief Commissioner. Below is the list of all Lieutenant Governors of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and their tenures:

S. No.	Name	Tenure
1	S. L. Khurana	November 1, 1982 – February 28, 1984
2	Ishak Khan	March 1, 1984 – March 17, 1985
3	R. S. Gulati	March 18, 1985 – March 15, 1989
4	Ram Kapadia	March 16, 1989 – December 23, 1990
5	Dinanath Tiwari	December 24, 1990 – February 11, 1996
6	Ishak Khan (again)	February 12, 1996 – May 25, 2001
7	Nagendra Nath Jha	May 26, 2001 – February 1, 2004
8	Ram Karan Mishra	February 2, 2004 – February 15, 2006
9	B. K. Bansal	February 16, 2006 – February 22, 2009
10	Pradeep Kumar Mohanty	February 23, 2009 – July 8, 2013
11	Ajay Kumar Singh	July 9, 2013 – July 7, 2016
12	Jagdish Mukhi	July 8, 2016 – August 25, 2021
13	Devendra Kumar Joshi	August 26, 2021 – Present

Who is the Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi is the current Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, having taken office on October 8, 2017. He is a former Chief of the Indian Navy and has received several military honors, including PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, and VSM. As Lieutenant Governor, he focuses on the development of the islands, particularly in tourism and infrastructure. Recently, he stated that 2024 will be a transformative year for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with special incentives for the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Which are the neighboring states of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a Union Territory of India, located between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. This archipelago is primarily divided into two parts: North Andaman and South Nicobar. When discussing neighboring states, it’s important to note that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not share a direct land border with any Indian state, as they are situated quite far from the mainland.

However, they do have maritime neighbors. The closest foreign countries include Indonesia (approximately 165 km to the south), Myanmar (280 km to the northeast), and Thailand (650 km to the southeast). The geographical position of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gives them significant strategic importance, making them crucial for maritime activities and security monitoring, Which are the neighboring states of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How many districts are there in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, their names

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of a total of three districts:

1. North and Middle Andaman District (Capital: Mayabunder)
2. South Andaman District (Capital: Port Blair)
3. Nicobar District (Capital: Car Nicobar)

These districts are further divided into various tehsils. For example, South Andaman includes tehsils like Port Blair, Ferrargunj, and Little Andaman, while Nicobar District comprises tehsils such as Car Nicobar, Nancowry, and Great Nicobar, How many districts are there in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, their names.

Which is the largest district in the state of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The North and Middle Andaman district is the largest district in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering an area of approximately 3,302 square kilometers. The capital of this district is Mayabunder, which includes three main tehsils: Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Rangat. According to the 2011 census, the population of North and Middle Andaman was around 105,597 people.

What type of food is there in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a rich and diverse culinary experience, heavily influenced by its coastal location and local resources. Seafood is the mainstay of the local diet, featuring fresh catches such as fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters. One of the signature dishes is the famous fish curry, which is prepared with coconut milk and spices, giving it a unique flavor. Additionally, coconut-based dishes like coconut rice and coconut prawn curry are quite popular.

The cuisine here reflects influences from South Indian, Bengali, and Burmese cooking styles. Tandoori dishes such as tandoori fish and fish tikka are also favorites among locals. Tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples are commonly used in desserts.

Restaurants in the Andaman Islands serve a variety of dishes, including vegetarian and North Indian options. The typical meal often includes plain rice and lentils (masoor dal), creating a nutritious diet. Local sweets such as coconut laddus and aloo pitha are traditionally made for special occasions, What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

What are the major tourist destinations of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of India’s beautiful tourist destinations, featuring many amazing places. Radhanagar Beach is the most famous beach in the Andaman Islands, often regarded as the best beach in Asia. Its blue waters and golden sands attract numerous tourists. Havelock Island is another key site where activities like scuba diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed.

The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park consists of a group of 15 islands, known for its rich marine life and corals. Visitors can enjoy glass-bottom boat rides here. Cellular Jail, which holds historical significance, is a major attraction for tourists, where sound and light shows are also held.

Port Blair is the capital of Andaman and serves as a convenient base for reaching other islands. The Forest Museum and the Naval Marine Museum are also worth visiting. Other islands like Little Andaman and Diglipur are noted for their natural beauty, featuring lush forests and white sandy beaches.

Additionally, Indira Point, the southernmost point of the Nicobar Islands, is a prominent tourist spot. The lighthouse and surrounding views here mesmerize visitors. Along with these sites, various water sports are available in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making it an ideal tourist destination, What is Andaman and Nicobar Islands, What is the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

FAQs